Medical Society of DC Welcomes New President

Damian P. Alagia III, MD, MBA Takes the Helm, Ready to Address Crucial Need for Medical Liability Reform 

Washington, DC, November 10, 2005—Damian P. Alagia, III, MD, MBA, Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery at The George Washington University, assumes the presidency of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC), at the Medical Society’s Annual Meeting today.  Dr. Alagia is a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University Hospital and former Vice Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Virginia Hospital Center.  He is also the founder and chairman of Women’s Health Corporation, a McLean, Virginia group practice which provides obstetrics and gynecological care for patients.  Dr. Alagia was elected president-elect by MSDC members last November.  He has been an active member of the Medical Society for seventeen years, previously holding the positions of Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee. He also helped establish MSDC’s Young Physicians Section. 

“Health care in the District of Columbia, our nation’s capitol, is in need of serious and meaningful medical liability reform,” says Dr. Alagia. “My many years as an MSDC member, and my experience as a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist in the District, Virginia, and Maryland make me acutely aware of the growing liability crisis among hospitals and health care professionals in this region. The need for immediate action is very real. The liability crisis in DC is expanding to the point where it may soon be irreversible if action by the City Council is not taken now. The end result of inaction is simple and clear – doctors will leave or limit their care, clinics will close and patients will suffer.”

Dr. Alagia received his medical degree from Georgetown University Medical School and a master’s degree in finance from The Johns Hopkins University.  He completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Georgetown University Hospital.  He is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Surgeons. 

In addition to installing its new president, MSDC also welcomed a new President-Elect, Christopher Spevak, MD, who will serve as a member of the Executive Committee and assist in the leadership of the organization until assuming the presidency in November 2006.  Dr. Spevak is a physician with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group and a Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesia at Georgetown University Medical Center.

Dr. Spevak has held multiple positions within the Medical Society. He is currently Co-Chairman of the Finance Committee and Secretary of the Board of Directors. He also served as Chair of the Council on Health Care Finance, Vice Chair of the Legislation Committee and was the MSDC Delegate to the American Medical Association Young Physicians Section.  Additionally, Dr. Spevak served on MSDC’s Strategic Planning Task Force.

Echoing the words of Dr. Alagia, Dr. Spevak says, “The skyrocketing rates for malpractice insurance are forcing physicians out of the city and jeopardizing the care of many District residents.  Insurers continue squeezing physicians to the point where they are often barely able to maintain their practice.”

Dr. Spevak received his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University and completed a residency in anesthesiology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.  He holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Michigan, a master’s in business administration from the University of Maryland and a juris doctorate degree from Catholic University of America. 

Other 2005 Election Results:

• At-Large Members: Z. Chris, MD; Frederick C. Finelli, M.D., JD (re-elected); Richard P. Green, M.D.  (re-elected); Robin C. Newton, MD; Stuart F. Seides, M.D. (re-elected); and Paul Shin, MD 

• MSDC Delegate to the American Medical Association: Joseph E. Gutierrez, MD (re-elected) 

The Medical Society of the District of Columbia is dedicated to the well-being of physicians and their patients in metropolitan Washington, DC.  MSDC is a member of the American Medical Association's federation of state, county and medical specialty organizations.  Approximately 2,000 physicians and medical students are MSDC members.